Name: Sadequa Snowden
Age: 44
Hometown: Prince Georges County, Maryland
Occupation: Realtor
Time Cycling: Almost two and a half years
Reason for Cycling: I cycle to stay in shape, to encourage others to get off the couch and do something physical, and to help keep my sanity. Cycling is therapeutic for me!
I began cycling in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cycling started as a way to escape the pandemic when everything I enjoyed was closed, like the gym, restaurants, and malls. I also love traveling, so cycling felt like I was “going” somewhere. The more I rode, the more I found I was really starting to enjoy the people I was meeting. I soon realized, as well, that cycling was great for my mental health to help me escape the stresses of everyday life.
I then felt inspired to start a cycling group, Come Get Your Bike On, in May 2020. Originally it started out of boredom. A girlfriend and I were tired of being stuck in the house as we were all quarantined. We were looking to do some type of physical fitness and still be able to see our friends. That's when we both purchased bikes. My girlfriend kept saying we needed to get more folks involved, so she decided to create a Facebook group and made me an administrator of the group.
More From Bicycling
Our first group ride had about eight people. We rode to Lake Artemensia Natural Area in Maryland, which was the longest 20 miles of our lives. We started doing this ride several times a week, and before we knew it, we were exploring new routes, going faster, implementing new rules, and putting safety first.
Well, then my friend decided she wasn’t that into cycling and left the cycling group leadership responsibilities solely to me. At that time, I thought, Hell, no, I’m not doing this by myself! But ultimately, I did. I still occasionally think I’m crazy for signing up for the sometimes thankless role—but here we are!
At the beginning of our cycling journey, my cycling group and I were cycling daily for at least 20 miles each day. Unfortunately, we weren’t tracking our rides at that time to know just how many miles we did, although sometimes we were on our bikes seven days in a row if the weather permitted.
About six months in, we started using Strava to track our rides. We had several monthly group challenges, which I always achieved. We participated in the Seagull Century for the first time in 2021 and are on schedule to do it again this year in December, along with other local rides, such as the DC Bike Ride.
I am hoping to impact the cycling community in a positive way by encouraging others to get off the couch and come outside to explore some of the most beautiful sites the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) has to offer that you won't find by driving in a car.
We are all getting older, and physical and mental health are very important in trying to live a longer healthier life. Also, I am looking to show representation for black female cyclists, as there aren't many of us out here. My goal is now to get as many of the early pandemic riders back on their bikes.
My current cycling schedule consists of hill days on Tuesdays and Wildcard Wednesday rides (which are usually more relaxed rides cruising through D.C., with an occasional climb or sprint.) Weekends are usually reserved for community group rides, and our longer ride days where we try to do 30 miles or longer. However, this schedule doesn't include those spontaneous urges to get on my bike— just because, or to pull up and ride with a friend.
Cycling has changed my life for the better because it has given me the opportunity to meet so many great people who I now call family. This journey wasn’t easy and it has literally caused a lot of real blood, salty sweat, and an occasional tear or two—but it is worth it. In addition, cycling has helped me maintain my weight and help chisel my womanly curves. Cycling makes me feel kinda free. There’s nothing like climbing to the top of a 13% grade hill only to fly back down it at 35 mph or more.
These three tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Get in the saddle
The more you ride your bike the better you become. Incorporate group rides and solo rides. Challenging yourself will help you become a stronger rider.
2. Be aware of your surroundings
You should always keep your head on swivel and limit loud music and distractions on your ride while obeying the laws of the road.
3. Make sure you are comfortable
For me, this includes comfortable cycling clothes, proper bike fit, necessary accessories including sunglasses and shoes, maintenance kit for flats, or minor bike adjustments. Also, don't forget your snacks and pickle juice.
Sadequa’s Must-Have Gear:
→ Bontrager Specter WaveCel Cycling Helmet: I love the pink color and the wave cell technology.
→ Orange Whistle: Alerts drivers and pedestrians who aren't paying attention. Also, lets the group know when a car is nearby.
→ Wahoo Element Roam Cycling Computer: This helps to keep me on track with my speed, gives turn-by-turn directions, calculates elevation, and has a very long battery life.
We want to hear how cycling changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form. We’ll pick one each week to highlight on the site.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
